9.13.2011

LUSH

Sarah Velasco: Can you tell us a little bit about
yourself? How did you get into this business

Brandi Halls: I’m an animal loving, beauty enthusiast who landed my
dream job right out of University! I’ve always been a bit of a social butterfly
that loved to talk beauty and shopping but did so with a social conscience. So
when I stumbled across an opening in PR for LUSH just 2 weeks after graduating,
I jumped on the opportunity and have never looked back. It’s been the most
exhilarating, rewarding and fun 9 years of my life!

Sarah Velasco: What is your role in the company, what is your schedule
like?Brandi Halls: I am the North American Public Relations Manager so my
schedule is varied, fast paced and quite unpredictable.Overseeing the
media relations, social media and ethical campaigns for LUSH means that every
day is completely different than the last. As a brand LUSH is very spontaneous
so it seems fitting that my role in the company is reflective of that.

Sarah Velasco: Why is LUSH different from other companies? We know that
the company has great beliefs such as being against animal testing, being eco
friendly etcBrandi Halls: There are so many truly innovative things that sets LUSH
apart but the thing that resonates the most for me is that LUSH is about so
much more than selling products. We use our shops, our web site, our catalogues
and our loyal employees to shed light on environmental, social and animal issues
that would otherwise go unnoticed. We take chances, we believe that we can
bring about real change and we have done so. This is why I am incredibly proud
to be part of the LUSH family.

Sarah Velasco: For someone who has never purchased anything at LUSH,
what would you recommend? I know there are many products so sometimes it can be
overwhelming.Brandi Halls: This one is easy for me because I have used these products
religiously for years, Rehab Shampoo and Veganese conditioner! I often get
compliments on how healthy and shiny my hair is and I attribute this to my
dedication to my two favorite products. Also, I always encourage new LUSHies to
try our hair care as it tends to get overlooked in a shop full of bright and
colorful bath bombs and bubble bars.

Sarah Velasco: Are there any Best Sellers that LUSH is known for?Brandi Halls: LUSH’s Dream Cream hand and body lotion is a worldwide
best seller and has been ever since its launch. It contains oats, softening
rose water, calming lavender, chamomile and olive oil to moisturize. This
little wonder works great for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis and
extremely sensitive skin.

Sarah Velasco: Are there any differences between the Canadian and US stores? Brandi Halls: The North American business operates as one big family so
there are no differences between our Canadian and U.S. stores! Most of our
expansion over the last few years has been in the U.S. but we are looking to
start opening new shops in Canada in the coming year. In fact we are just about
to open a new store in Winnipeg.

Sarah Velasco: Have there been any major changes to the company since you
started?Brandi Halls: When I started we had one American store, today we have 98
so it’s fair to say that it’s been major change after major change for the last
9 years. But through it all, the heart of the brand, its ethics, it honesty and
my incredibly loyal and fantastic coworkers have all remained.

Sarah Velasco: Are there going to be any changes readers should anticipate?Brandi Halls: Expect lots of innovation coming out of LUSH this year.
While we always pride ourselves on our unique product range, our product
inventors are busting with creativity these days! Expect lots more fun to
hit LUSH shelves in the coming months!